Detention of elderly abuse suspect suspended due to medical incompatibility

ORANJESTAD – The investigating judge on Tuesday suspended the detention of L.S.H., the man suspected of assaulting a 79-year-old resident at a care facility during the night of July 16 to 17. The case concerns a serious incident in which the elderly victim sustained severe injuries. The investigating judge ordered the suspension of the suspect's detention after determining that he is medically unfit to remain in custody, meaning his condition is incompatible with detention. He has been released under strict conditions.

INCOMPATIBLE WITH DETENTION

A suspect is considered incompatible with detention when his or her physical or mental condition makes it impossible to remain in custody safely and responsibly. In this case, suspect H. requires 24-hour care, which cannot be provided either at the Police Detention Center or at the House of Detention. In addition, Aruba does not have any other suitable facility capable of holding a suspect with his medical condition. In situations such as this, the investigating judge may suspend detention while imposing specific conditions.

CONDITIONS

The investigating judge imposed several conditions on the suspect. He must remain available to the judicial authorities while the Public Prosecution Service investigates the possibilities of placing him back in detention.

SOLUTION

Finding a solution will take time because Aruba depends on the Netherlands to accommodate H. in an appropriate detention facility. Such a transfer cannot be arranged on short notice. At the same time, as previously stated, the Police Detention Center is not a suitable place to hold the suspect.

REGRET

The Public Prosecution Service stated that it is with great regret that suspect L.S.H. is being released for the time being. However, it will continue working to secure an appropriate detention facility so that he can be taken back into custody.